M.S. in Taxation for accountants

"I found the Graduate Tax Program to be rich in high-level content, comprehensive in scope and practical in its discussions of tax theory and compliance. I gained technical knowledge from tax attorneys and practitioners and built long-lasting relationships with professors and student colleagues."

Rivka Bier, M.S. ‘12

Program history

Since 1987, hundreds of professionals have benefited from the advanced tax training provided by the Graduate Tax Program, the only one of its kind in Maryland.

The program was created in response to the increasing complexity of the field and its critical impact on the effective management of business, financial, industrial, governmental and nonprofit organizations. The courses are geared toward tax advisers in the legal and accounting professions and those involved in developing fiscal policy and managing public and nonprofit organizations. The program not only prepares students for careers as professional tax advisers, but it also sharpens their knowledge and skills through a sophisticated, challenging educational environment.

"While I may not immediately know the answer to a tax question, the UB program provided me the skills necessary to understand the issues, research the options and provide effective counsel to my clients on most tax matters that arise. My education in UB’s LL.M. in Tax program has been an invaluable asset to my development as a tax lawyer." Timothy Wagner, LL.M. ‘15

Develop essential knowledge and skills

With this degree, you will be able to respond to the increasing complexity of the field of taxation and its critical impact on the effective management of business, financial, industrial, governmental and nonprofit organizations. The program trains competent tax specialists to serve the needs of Maryland’s legal, accounting and business communities and provides you with:

• a solid knowledge base in federal tax law, including an understanding of tax policies and principles

• techniques for analyzing and resolving issues involving federal tax law, including identifying problems, researching and locating relevant law, and applying the legal rules to facts to arrive at conclusions

• the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, your tax research and analysis to clients, co-workers and the wider community of tax professionals.

Law-business synergy

Offered jointly by UB's School of Law and Merrick School of Business, the Graduate Tax Program provides the broad training needed by today's tax practitioners. It also permits lawyers and accountants to interact, providing a richer experience for both. Students benefit from the high-caliber experience of their classmates, most of whom are busy professionals seeking career advancement.

Expert, experienced faculty

Members of the Graduate Tax faculty are not only tax experts; they are also experienced teachers who know how to lead students through a challenging, rewarding curriculum. Among the faculty are full-time School of Law professors, prominent tax practitioners in the Baltimore-Washington area, IRS officials and judges with the U.S. Tax Court.

Geared to busy professionals

"UB’s Graduate Tax Program provided me with an invaluable understanding of federal income tax law and the ability to analyze tax statutes and regulations. It also gave me the opportunity to meet other tax professionals in various fields and stages of their careers. Overall, the program gave me the confidence to take the next step in my career as a tax professional."

Maryna Marshall, M.S. ‘16

To accommodate the schedules of working lawyers and accountants, classes are offered on weekday evenings. Moreover, students may also participate in class online in real time, which allows them to interact with professors and fellow students. Graduate Tax students also can access archived recordings of classes. Students generally take one or two classes per semester and can complete their degree on a part-time basis within two to three academic years. Regular attendance and active class participation are essential to success in the program.

Tuition and other charges

LL.M. and M.S. students pay the same tuition and fees, which are set by the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland. Tuition and fees are subject to change. Get current tuition information (scroll down to the Taxation/Estate Planning tab).